Chapter Milestones: Japan
In 1976, Achilles International’s late founder Dick Traum made history as the first person with a prosthetic leg to complete the New York City Marathon, helping spark a movement that continues to redefine what’s possible for athletes with disabilities around the world.
As we approach the 50th anniversary of that historic finish, we’re celebrating the people, moments and milestones that have shaped Achilles along the way. Today, that movement spans 62 chapters worldwide, each with its own story to tell.
We asked members of the Achilles Japan community to reflect on the moments that have defined their chapter, the milestones they've celebrated, and what Achilles means to them. Read Chapter Leader Shinji Yamamoto's reflection below.
Shinji Yamamoto, Chapter Leader, Achilles Japan
My Achilles journey began in 2016, when I traveled to New York City to serve as a guide for a visually impaired athlete in the New York City Marathon. It was an unforgettable experience that introduced me to the power of the Achilles community.
Three years later, I returned to New York, this time leading the Japanese team. During that visit, I attended a gathering of chapter leaders from around the world. Hearing their stories, learning how each chapter was making an impact, and experiencing the incredible energy of the global Achilles family inspired me to become more involved and help our chapter continue to grow.
Achilles Japan's story began long before my own. In 1995, a small group of founding members gathered in a local coffee shop to share ideas and dream about creating an Achilles chapter in Japan. Those conversations led to the chapter's first practice run at Yoyogi Park on August 13, 1995. Twenty-five years later, on January 29, 2020, Achilles International Japan was officially registered as a nonprofit organization, marking another important milestone in our journey.
Today, most of our athletes are visually impaired, making the partnership between athlete and guide central to everything we do. Working side by side gives guides a deeper understanding of disability, accessibility, and the barriers many people still face. Together, we create opportunities that extend far beyond the race course.
When people who share the same values come together, our message reaches farther. Every athlete who participates in a race, training session, or community event helps demonstrate what inclusion truly looks like. Seeing more people with disabilities actively participating in society deepens understanding and reminds others that everyone belongs. That is why I believe Achilles continues to play such an important role.
One of our proudest milestones came in 2025, when Achilles Japan celebrated its 30th anniversary. Over the past three decades, countless athletes, guides, and volunteers have participated in weekly workouts, raced throughout Japan, and traveled together to major events like the New York City Marathon. What makes me proudest is not just how much we've accomplished, but that we've continued without interruption. Even as leadership has changed over the years and new volunteers have stepped forward, our community has remained strong, welcoming, and committed to our mission.
Some of my favorite recent memories come from the Tokyo Marathon in 2026. From gathering at the Welcome Party and displaying traditional origami to enjoying a shakeout run around the Imperial Palace, those moments reflected what makes Achilles so special. They weren't just about preparing for a race, they were about celebrating friendship and the connections that unite our global community.
Looking ahead, I hope Achilles Japan continues to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion while helping address the challenges that people with disabilities face every day. By continuing to bring people together through sport, we can build a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to participate, belong, and thrive.
